North Face is a household name in the world of outdoor apparel and gear, boasting a strong reputation for quality and durability in their products.
Being a high street staple synonymous with adventures and outdoors, skiers and snowboarders are naturally left to question whether this reputable brand lives up to the demands of their winter sports.
So lets dig into the brand’s suitability for use by skiers and snowboarders. Does the North Face ski and snowboard wear meet expectations when it comes to riding the snow?
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Is North Face a Ski or Snowboard Brand?
The North Face was established in 1966 as an outdoor retail company specializing in climbing and camping gear. Over the years, the brand expanded their product offerings to include outdoor apparel, hiking, running, and traveling gear – all of which are designed to withstand the elements.
While North Face may not be strictly limited to a ski or snowboard brand, it is true that they have ventured into creating sport-specific gear for these winter pursuits.
The North Face offers lines such as the “Steep Series” dedicated to ski and snowboard wear, consisting of outerwear, accessories, and footwear. So, while it may be more appropriate to label North Face as an all-encompassing outdoor brand, it does extend to the realms of skiing and snowboarding.
Can You Wear a North Face Puffa Jacket Skiing or Snowboarding?
A Puffa jacket (commonly known as the puffer jacket or down filled jacket) is a staple piece in North Face’s catalog. In fact, here in the UK, their puffa jackets are seen on people from all walks of life.
Their puffer jackets are filled with goose down or synthetic fibers, both providing excellent insulation and protection against the cold. While Puffa-style jackets or coats can be used for skiing and snowboarding, given their insulation capabilities, there are a few things to bear in mind.
- Waterproofing: Skiing and snowboarding will inevitably expose you to snow and wet conditions. This means you should choose ski coats or jackets with water-repellent shells or those using DryVent or GORE-TEX fabric to keep you dry.
- Breathability: While staying warm is crucial, it is equally important to avoid overheating. While North Face ski jackets have breathable materials, with features such as pit-zip vents allowing you to release excess heat while tackling those runs, puffa jackets are often designed to be optimally insulated, with minimal breathable elements.
- Freedom of Movement: Skiing and snowboarding demand mobility. While a North Face puffa jacket provides sufficient range of motion in your arms and shoulders, you might not find it the best for twisting and turning on the slopes.
- Windproof: Another major element to protect from on the slopes is that icy cold wind. Ski jackets are often built to deliver breathable waterproof gore tex with windproof protection too. A puffa jacket might not offer this level of protection.
- Pass Pockets, snow skirts and More: Ski jackets often feature additional features for use when skiing or snowboarding. This includes a lift pass pocket, usually on the left arm or wrist; snow skirts to prevent your jacket filling with snow when you fall; extra pockets for goggles or devices; helmet friendly hoods.
To summarise these points…
While a North Face puffer jacket might offer ample protection from the cold, it will most likely not offer the waterproof windproof or other protective elements of a made for purpose ski or snowboard jacket.
So while you technically could ride in a North Face puffa jacket, we don’t recommend it. Probably only as a last resort.
Saying that… They can work as part of a cool apres ski outfit.
Does North Face Make Ski Jackets?
Yes, North Face makes ski jackets. And a pretty good line up of quality ski jackets too. Their ski and snowboard specific winter jackets provide a tailored combination of features that cater to the specific demands and technical details of skiing and snowboarding.
As a result of this focused design, North Face ski jackets deliver optimal performance out on the slopes.
Lets delve deeper into these ski jackets to analyze their features and how they cater to the needs of winter sports enthusiasts.
North Face Ski Jackets – Key Features
North Face ski jackets showcase a set of features that cater explicitly to skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, reassuring users that their products provide quality and performance on the slopes:
- Waterproofing & Breathability: North Face ski jackets use a range of waterproof and breathable fabrics such as GORE-TEX, DryVent, or their proprietary FUTURELIGHT material. These materials provide impeccable protection against wet conditions and afford excellent breathability to prevent overheating.
- Insulation: Insulation is paramount when skiing or snowboarding. North Face ski jackets come with down or synthetic insulation, or they are designed as a 3-in-1 system that allows for layering.
- Weatherproof Design: North Face ski jackets often incorporate features such as snow skirts, adjustable hoods, and multiple pockets to store essentials like ski passes, goggles, and gloves. These design elements all contribute to providing a comfortable and functional experience on the mountain.
- Varying Styles and Fits: From relaxed-fit to slim, North Face ski jackets cater to different preferences, making it easier for skiers and snowboarders to find the perfect match for their desired look and level of comfort.
Suffice it to say that North Face does make ski jackets that reflect their commitment to high-quality, functional, and durable outdoor wear.
When considering ski wear, rest assured that North Face ski jackets are designed specifically to cater to the requirements of these winter sports, ensuring that skiers and snowboarders alike can rely on their gear delivering optimal performance in the most demanding of conditions.
The TL;DR?
North Face has proven itself to be a reliable and trustworthy brand of choice for outdoor enthusiasts. They’re also seen as one of the cool winter sports brands, making them a solid choice for fashion wear.
Skiers and snowboarders searching for quality ski wear will find the North Face ski jackets to be solid contenders in meeting their gear-related needs, enabling them to brave the slopes with their minds at ease and enjoy their sport to the fullest.
Browse the full range of North Face ski gear at: North Face UK.
